We support people in Camden who are considering to take up cycling, especially those who had felt that cycling is not for them before the Coronavirus pandemic took hold.  

There are three types of easy-to-ride loan bikes on offer: 

1.    Dutch-style step-through pedal bicycle

Versatile, comfortable bikes for relaxed urban commuting and leisure cycling.  Easy to ride, suitable for beginners and experienced cyclists.     

2.    Folding bike

A Brompton may not be quite as quick and comfortable as a standard full-size bike, but ideal for carrying, storing in tight spaces. and taking on public transport.  For security, our Brompton bike should always be kept close to the rider and not be locked unattendend in public places.  

3.    Dutch style step-through electric bikes

Our Gazelle Vento electric bikes are easy to ride, let you go further with less effort and help you go up hills.  They come with a detachable battery and charger which connects to a standard power socket.  The bikes can achieve a range of 30 miles or more on a single charge.  

All of the above bikes are available on loan for four weeks. 

A secure place for overnight storage, proof of ID and a returnable deposit are required to secure a loan.  Deposit amounts are £10 for Dutch-style pedal bikes, £50 for Bromptons and £50 for electric assisted bikes. 

The next bike loan collection dates are:

If you want to give cycling a go and don't have a bike of your own, contact us for further information and to register.  

Register for Try-A-Bike

We support parents in Camden who want to adopt healthy, sustainable travel with their young children.  Our electric assisted family bikes allow the safe transportation of up to two young children.  This offer is open to all families living in Camden, or with children at Camden schools.  It will be particularly suited to families whose travel to school has changed with the introduction of Healthy School Streets which have improved air quality, reduced traffic outside schools and made streets safer.  

There are three types of family cycle on offer: 

1. Tern GSD cycle

This electric assisted passenger bicycle is easy to ride.  It is the same size as a regular bike, and handles like one.  It has up to two passenger spaces at the back.  Different types of child seats (not shown on illustration) can be mounted so that children of various ages can be carried securely.  

The bike is capable of carrying 170kg (27 stone), comprising rider, passengers and any additional load.   It comes with detachable battery and charger, which plugs into a standard power socket.  For more information about this bike see www.ternbicycles.com/uk/bikes/gsd.

2. Christiania tricycle

This passenger tricycle of classic Danish design is now available with electric motor assistance.  It is extremely easy to ride, requiring no balancing at all.  It is wide and a little longer than a regular bike.  The front compartment fits two young passenger or a large load.  For more information about this cycle see https://www.londongreencycles.co.uk/shop/bikes/christiania-classic-light. 

3. Urban Arrow cycle

This state of the art transport vehicle is has the capacity to fit two young passenger and / or sizeable loads.  Due to its impressive size a large secure storage area will be needed.  Riding this bicycle requires a little practice, but is not much different from other bikes once the rider is used to weight and dimensions.  For more information about this bike see https://www.urbanarrow.com/en/family 

All of the above bikes are available for loan periods between 1 and 3 months. 

A secure place for overnight storage, proof of ID and a returnable deposit are required to secure a loan.  The deposit amounts for all bikes are £200. 

The next family bike loan collection dates are:

To try this type of active family transport, contact us for further information and to register.  

Register for Try-A-Bike

We support businesses in Camden who want to make their small deliveries using environmentally sustainable zero-emission transport that is cost-efficient and time-saving. 

Our electric assisted cargo bikes are designed for safely and securely carrying sizeable loads.  This offer is open to all businesses in Camden.  It will be particularly suited to those who are regularly using routes that have been opened up for additional traffic by bike. 

This offer is backed up for free by the Camden Cargo Bike Network.  Their expert advisers specialise in freight audits, total cost saving assessments and journey time forecasts.   

There are three types of cargo cycle on offer: 

1. Tern GSD cycle

This electric assisted cargo bicycle is easy to ride.  It is the same size as a regular bike, and handles like one.  It can be fitted with two loading racks, one in front, and a larger one behind the rider (not shown on illustration).  There is space for a further two XXL pannier bags at the back.  

The bike is capable of carrying 170kg (27 stone), comprising rider, passengers and any additional load.   It comes with detachable battery and charger, which plugs into a standard power socket.  For more information about this bike see www.ternbicycles.com/uk/bikes/gsd.

2. Christiania tricycle

This cargo tricycle of classic Danish design is now available with electric motor assistance.  It is extremely easy to ride, requiring no balancing at all.  It is very wide and a little longer than a regular bike.  The front compartment fits large and heavy load.  Starting and stopping is particularly convenient as the load need not be balanced by the rider or a bike stand.   For more information about this cycle see https://www.londongreencycles.co.uk/shop/bikes/christiania-classic-light. 

3. Urban Arrow cycle

This state of the art transport vehicle is has the capacity to carry impressive loads.  Due to its size a large secure storage area will be needed.  Riding this bicycle requires a little practice, but is not much different from other bikes once the rider is used to weight and dimensions.  For more information about this bike see https://www.urbanarrow.com/en/ 

All of the above bikes are available for loan periods between 1 and 3 months. 

A secure place for overnight storage, proof of ID and a returnable deposit are required to secure a loan.  The deposit amounts are £200. 

The next cargo bike loan collection dates are:

To try this type sustainable transport vehicle, contact us for further information and to register.  

Register for Try-A-Bike

We are fortunate that we can offer Camden Try-A-Bike loans at no cost to users.  In return, we ask participants to act responsibly and with integrity so that these loans can be made available to many others, too.  

In particular, we expect participants to:

• keep cycles secure at all times, locking unattended bikes as instructed;
• ride the cycles only for their intended purpose, ride within the limits of their ability, observe the highway code and other relevant obligations;
• keep the cycles in roadworthy condition, inflate tyres when needed, carry out minor maintenance--such as repairs of punctured tyres--at their own cost; 
• respond to all communication from Camden Try-A-Bike, and notify us of any major issues affecting the use of the cycle;    
• return the bike at the end of the loan period at the place and time notified.

We will sign a loan agreement with details of deposit paid, and of bike and equipment loaned.

Cycles will be fitted to suit the size of the rider. 

Riders must demonstrate they can safely control the bike.  We recommend signing up for free Camden Cycle Skills training.  

In the event of loss or theft the police must be notified immediately.  Camden Try-A-Bike must be notified thereafter as soon as feasible.  If damage or loss are due to negligence on part of the user, such as not securing the bike, LB Camden will recoup the value of the loss.    

If you find cycling a positive experience, we encourage you to buy a suitable bike from a trader of your choice and to keep on cycling.  

Register for Try-A-Bike